Most people do more planning to prepare for a wedding than for any other event. The average wedding lasts 6 hours and planning starts an average of 16 months before the big day. Remodeling projects can take weeks to months to complete. You might be living with the end result for a very long time whether you like it or not. Either way, it is best to take remodeling planning seriously.

Your remodel will be a daily in-your-face reminder of the amount of effort you put into remodeling project planning.

Think about your remodeling project plan one week at a time. Like planning a wedding it helps to follow a timeline of scheduled tasks for each week leading up to the project, during construction, and upon completion.

Undertaking a home improvement project not only makes your home a more pleasant place to live, but will also increase its value. Before you get started, though, make sure you give yourself an advantage and help yourself avoid common errors by making use of the tips and techniques in this article.

For those who like to do it themselves instead of hiring a contractor, there are many ways to learn different techniques for home improvement. Looking on the internet, reading books or talking to more knowledgeable individuals, can help you to glean some useful information. There is much information available to help someone who wants to fix up a house.

There could be a number of reasons why you’d want to add more living space to your home. Your family could be growing, you may want to bring your aging parents into your home, you need a home office–these are just a few examples. Would an extra bedroom or bathroom in your home help? Do you enjoy entertaining? You may want to add a theater or entertaining area for guests. Adding rooms or creating more functional spaces can provide more room to expand.

When you initially bought your home, you may have had different needs. You could have been newly married without children. Now your family has grown. Your kids need and want a bedroom of their own. Do they argue about another member taking too much time in the bathroom while getting ready for school? Adding another bathroom can alleviate the chaos and bickering.

Many people consider the kitchen as the most important room in their home. It’s the place where the family gathers to break bread. It’s where visitors congregate to socialize. It’s basically the hub of most home activity. If your kitchen is outdated, with old appliances, scratched or cracked countertops, lackluster cabinets, limited space for cooking and eating–it may be time to consider remodeling.

Summer is coming to an end and the more pleasant days of Autumn are almost upon us. What better time to get that deck built (or rebuilt) onto your home?

There are plenty more days left to enjoy barbecues and parties outdoors. Building or extending your deck can expand the space for your social gatherings. And here’s another great reason to have a wooden deck installed: According to Realtor.com, adding a wooden deck onto your home is Number 3 on the top 20 lists of projects that are highest in ROI (more than 80% of your costs are recouped). So if you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, a wood deck is one home improvement project you may want to consider.

The Deck Appeal

A deck is a platform with decking boards or tiles, usually made of either wood or a composite material. A deck is ideal for sloped yards where you want a flat area. It’s also good for homes that sit high above the ground or atop a basement, because they can be built as high as you need. If your home sits higher than about 14 inches off the ground, a platform deck is probably for you.

A deck is basically another room added to your home. Walk out the door leading to your deck, and it’s another living space. During nice weather, you’ll be glad you have it. And if you install a hot tub on the deck, you’ll even enjoy it during the colder winter days.

Backyard decks have replaced patios and front porches as the social centers of suburbia. Decks are elevated to catch breezes and to facilitate conversations with neighbors on their decks. Large enough for a table and grill, most decks are more versatile than front porches and provide privacy from street traffic.

Types of Deck Materials

There are basically two types of materials that can be used to construct your home deck: natural wood and man-made materials. Those that require less ongoing maintenance tend to be more expensive. Less expensive materials can still make great decks, but they need to be cleaned and treated regularly for long-lasting use.

Natural Wood

Wood is a traditional, popular, and high-maintenance choice for decking. The material looks warm, feels cool under foot, and smells great. The two options in this category are cedar and pressure treated woods. Cedar is deep red and looks the most natural. Pressure treated woods come in a wide range of grades; the higher the grade, the more durable, since they are often kiln dried after treatment. Both cedar and pressure treated woods are rot-resistant.

Wooden decks are more economical to build because the materials are readily available, so they are less expensive. Wood stays cool in summer, is easy on the feet, and has a rustic look and feel, which goes well with many house styles.

Wood does require regular maintenance or it will rot and develop mold and mildew. Annual cleaning, as well as restaining and re-sealing every 3-4 years is also necessary, or the deck can stain, crack, rot, and warp.

Man-Made Deck Materials

There are a few materials that can be used for deck construction that are man-made.

Composite

Composite materials are constructed using recycled plastic and wood fiber products. These materials have the look of natural wood, but doesn’t require the constant maintenance. It’s a “greener” choice over wood, since more trees aren’t cut down. It’s available in many designs, colors, and textures. Composite decking is also easier to clean (just use soap and water), and will not rot.

Composite materials are usually double the cost of natural wood. Decks made of these materials can sag and, if located in shade, can develop mold and mildew.

Plastic PVC

This material is resistant to stains and fading and is not slippery when wet. Plastic materials are low maintenance, not requiring sanding, staining, or painting.

Some brands of plastic deck materials may require a more supportive structure than wood or they will sag. The material is hotter in the summer and does not resemble the look of wood at all. The cost can be more or less than natural wood, depending on brand and style.

Aluminum

Decks made from anodized aluminum materials are more durable. They are great in areas near bodies of water, as they are extremely resistant to rot, mold and mildew. Their surface is cool in the heat and non-slippery.

Virtually maintenance free, they simply require sweeping and occasional rinsing with a garden hose. They offer a more contemporary look, with a wide choice of colors, which are very resistant to fading.

Aluminum is more expensive than wood. And if you want a more traditional-looking deck, it’s not your best choice.

Finnteriors Construction Services Can Build You a Great Deck

No matter what type of deck you prefer, Finnteriors can construct it for you. Don’t wait to get that additional living space to enjoy! Contact us today to get a free estimate for your new deck!

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Finnteriors Construction Services has been providing its commercial and residential customers with exceptional general contracting services.
Our services are available throughout the St. Louis area, including the surrounding communities of Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, Town and Country, Wildwood, Chesterfield, Webster Groves, Des Peres, Ladue, Kirkwood, Manchester, and Frontenac, MO.